Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you

Yes, Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines for 2024–2025 with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. This includes the updated vaccines recommended each year. You do not pay anything out of pocket when you receive the vaccine at a Medicare-approved provider.

The vaccine itself is free under Medicare Part B. If you receive the vaccine at a pharmacy or clinic that bills Medicare, you will not see a bill. The coverage applies whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan — though Medicare Advantage plans must cover it at no cost as part of their required preventive benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 vaccines with zero out-of-pocket cost, including any updated formulations released for the 2024–2025 season.
  • You can receive the vaccine at hospitals, doctor's offices, pharmacies, and other Medicare-approved locations without needing a referral.
  • Medicare Advantage plans must cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost as a preventive service, though you should confirm with your plan before your appointment.
  • Bring your Medicare card when you go for the vaccine so the provider can bill Medicare directly.
  • If you are not yet on Medicare but are 65 or older, you can still receive the vaccine through other programs while you wait to enroll.

Where you can get the vaccine under Medicare

You can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at any location that accepts Medicare, including your doctor's office, a hospital, an urgent care clinic, or a pharmacy. Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all accept Medicare for COVID-19 vaccines. You do not need a referral from your primary care doctor.

To find a nearby location, you can call your doctor's office, visit the pharmacy's website, or use the vaccine finder tool at vaccines.gov. When you call or visit, tell them you have Medicare and ask if they have the current COVID-19 vaccine in stock. Some locations may require you to schedule an appointment in advance, while others accept walk-ins.

What to bring when you get vaccinated

Bring your Medicare card with you. The provider will use your card to bill Medicare directly, so you will not receive a bill afterward. If you also have a secondary insurance plan (such as Medicaid or a Medigap policy), bring that card as well, though it is not required for the vaccine to be covered.

You do not need a referral, prior authorization, or any special paperwork. straightforward show your Medicare card at the appointment. If you have lost your card, you can still receive the vaccine — tell the provider your Medicare number, which appears in your Social Security statement or Medicare notices.

Medicare Advantage plans and COVID-19 vaccines

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan must cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost as part of preventive care. This is a federal requirement for all Medicare Advantage plans. You will not pay a copay or coinsurance for the vaccine itself.

However, Medicare Advantage plans may have a network of preferred providers. Before your appointment, check your plan's website or call the member services number on your card to confirm that the location you plan to visit is in-network. If you go to an out-of-network provider, you may be responsible for the full cost, though many plans will still cover preventive vaccines even out-of-network.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are covered

Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for the current season. For 2024–2025, this includes the updated vaccines formulated to protect against current variants. The specific vaccines available may change as new formulations are approved and recommended.

You do not have to choose between vaccine brands — Medicare covers all CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines. If you have a preference based on past reactions or medical information from your doctor, ask the provider which vaccines they have available. Your doctor can also advise you on which vaccine may be best for your health situation.

Timing and who should get vaccinated

The CDC recommends that adults 65 and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine each year, typically in the fall. If you have not had a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 12 months, you may be due for an updated dose. Your doctor can tell you whether you need a vaccine based on your age, health conditions, and vaccination history.

If you have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication, you may need additional doses or different timing. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you. You can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit as other vaccines, such as the flu or pneumococcal vaccine.

If you are not yet on Medicare

If you are 65 or older but have not yet enrolled in Medicare, you can still receive a free COVID-19 vaccine through other programs. Uninsured seniors can receive vaccines at federally may have access to health centers, local health departments, or through the CDC's Bridge Access Program, which provides free vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. You do not have to wait until Medicare starts to get protected.

Once you enroll in Medicare, all future COVID-19 vaccines will be covered under your plan. If you have questions about when to enroll in Medicare, contact Social Security or visit Medicare.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's order to get the COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy?

No. Pharmacists can administer COVID-19 vaccines to Medicare beneficiaries without a doctor's order. You can walk into a pharmacy, show your Medicare card, and receive the vaccine. Some pharmacies may ask you to complete a brief health questionnaire, but this is standard practice and does not require a doctor's involvement.

Will I get a bill after I receive the vaccine?

No. Because Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost, you should not receive a bill. If you do receive a bill, contact the provider and ask them to resubmit the claim to Medicare. You can also contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report a billing error.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have a Medicare Advantage plan with a high deductible?

Yes. Preventive vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, do not count toward your deductible under Medicare Advantage. You will not pay anything for the vaccine itself, even if you have not met your deductible for other services.

What if my pharmacy says Medicare will not cover the vaccine?

This is unusual, but it can happen if the pharmacy has not updated their billing system or if there is a technical error. Ask to speak with the pharmacy manager and explain that Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your coverage before your appointment.

Do I need to get the same vaccine brand each year?

No. You can receive a different vaccine brand each year if you wish. The CDC recommends an updated vaccine annually, but the brand does not have to be the same as the previous year. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which vaccine is best for you.